Readers of Anne Perry’s bestselling suspense novels revel in a world that is all their own, sharing the privileged existence of Britain’s wealthy and powerful elite in West End mansions and great country houses. It is also a world in which danger bides in unsuspected places and the line between good and evil can be razor thin. This new novel features Lady Vespasia Cumming-Gould—one of the most memorable characters from the Thomas Pitt series—who appears here as a lively young woman, the ultimate aristocrat who can trace her blood to half the royal houses of Europe.
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Quotes & Awards

“That rarest of seasonal thrillers: one that exemplifies the message and spirit of the holiday…This brief work has an almost Jamesian subtlety, and with its powerful message of responsibility and redemption—“We need both to forgive and to be forgiven”—it conveys a moral force in keeping with the season.”

Wall Street Journal

“A doozy of a Christmas mystery.”

Dallas Morning News

“Set in Victorian England, this novelette has all the poignancy one might expect from Anne Perry…With subtle tone and pacing, Terrence Hardiman infuses Isobel’s careless remark with the depth of cruelty it reveals.”

AudioFile

Listener Opinions

Randal S | 2/19/2014

" I didn't quite get it. I'm sure there's some sort of Victorian reference that I missed. I'm confident I'll get it figured out with the help of my Book Club on Monday, May 24th, at 7pm at Bent Cover Bookstore. "

Linda | 2/18/2014

" A little UNChristmassy, but ok. Loved the locale. At least it was snowy. "

Toni | 2/7/2014

" This was okay as an audio book, but the story left a lot more questions than it answered. But at least it was short. I don't think there was enough depth to the story to be any longer. "

Melissa | 1/30/2014

" It was okay. It kept my attention but seemed really shallow. "

Karen Reedy | 1/29/2014

" Very Depressing for a Christmas book "

Kristi | 1/29/2014

" Enjoyed the whole Christmas mystery series. Light and easy. "

Amanda | 1/27/2014

" This was a rather short book, but a good story set in Victorian times, a little Christmas mystery surrounding a suicide at a weekend house party. Interesting characters and solid development of the relationship between the two main characters, who start out as friendly acquaintances, then through their "Christmas Journey" deepen their friendship. Liked it. "

Donna | 1/12/2014

" Nice story, good for an afternoon read. Read a bunch of these in a few days. "

Hapzydeco | 1/8/2014

" A tale of expiation. "

Michelle | 1/8/2014

" A quick holiday read, not too complicated with a warm ending--just what I needed when stuck in bed with a nasty cold! "

Missmath144 | 12/25/2013

" Okay. That's enough Anne Perry for me. "

Kathy | 12/23/2013

" Somewhat intriguing, but not one of Anne Perry's best. "

Stefatuk | 12/13/2013

" Boring. No real story to speak of. A 2 is actually generous. "

Summer | 2/23/2013

" I liked this one, but was not as interested in what would happen next as I was with A Christmas Guest. Anne Perry's insights into human nature is wonderful. It adds a welcome depth to the mystery she writes. "

Bea | 1/27/2013

" Quick Read. Well written story. Ending not obvious from beginning so kept my interest. "

Karen | 6/30/2012

" Really enjoyed this story wasn't sure that I would but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it well worth a read. "

Cathleen | 3/23/2012

" 4.5 stars. Loved it! Perfect for Christmas Time. "

Rayni | 12/28/2011

" A Christmas Journey takes a character from the Pitt series, Lady Vespasia. I liked it quite well, actually. It was a light read. I looked for this for 8 months before I found it. I haven't read the Pitt series, but didn't really need to. "

Kettie | 12/12/2011

" A quick read from Anne Perry with a message of redemption. I enjoy the glimpse of privileged English life she gives. I liked that there was also a message and point to the story but that it was very oblique and not preachy. An enjoyable 2-3 hour read. "

Alissa | 9/25/2011

" I've always been a fan of Anne Perry and this one didn't disappoint. "

Lesley | 5/29/2011

" Went along really well - fell flat at the end. :( "

Mary-Ann | 2/16/2011

" The first library book I've read all the way through on my Nook! Predictable wild-goose-chase story line. A tale of morals. Regrettably, not very Christmas-y (despite the title). I wished Ms. Perry would have described the Victorian Christmas decor and dinner items more fully.
"

Janice | 1/18/2011

" An Ann Perry Christmas story! A mystery to be solved at during the Christmas season. No light holly, jolly Christmas here, but a great story with wonderful characters.
"

Nancy | 1/12/2011

" Fan of Anne Perry. Like them all
"

Melissa | 12/31/2010

" I always like to read books set at Christmastime during December and found six this year-- all short(100-200 pages) mysteries set in Victorian Britain, by Anne Perry. Fun, easy reads for whiling away the cold hours 'til Christmas.
"

Carol | 12/21/2010

" Pointless and not very Christmassy either.
"

Toni | 12/18/2010

" This was okay as an audio book, but the story left a lot more questions than it answered. But at least it was short. I don't think there was enough depth to the story to be any longer.
"

Other Titles by Anne Perry:

About the Author

Anne Perry is the New York Times bestselling author of a number of
holiday novels, two acclaimed mystery series set in Victorian England, and a
series set during World War I. She has also written several stand-alone novels and novellas, and her books have been finalists for the Agatha, Edgar, and Macavity awards. Born in London, she now lives in the Scottish highlands.

About the Narrator

Terrence Hardiman has worked extensively in theater. He began at the Old Vic, went on to repertory at Bristol, and then spent five years as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. He played the title role in BBC TV’s The Demon Headmaster, while his other television appearances include major parts in Secret Army, Miss Marple, Hannay, and Inspector Morse. Among his film credits are Mask of Murder, Loophole, and Gandhi.

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